I kept getting emails with a ton of hoopla about Stella McCartney having an exclusive line for Net A Porter. Then I saw some of it and it made me wonder what the fuss was about. Stella McCartney is so hit or miss for me and while some of her designs are simple and I love them some are so simple they end up being simpleton and just blah. One of her exclusive designs for NAP is the Stella McCartney Cloud Print Shopper which features the Sir Peter Blake cloud print on this lightly colored canvas shopper.

I need to break down this bag, my likes and dislikes until I can reach a conclusion. I like that it is light and whimsical and I like the clouds. I don’t like that it is light colored which can easily lead to dirt showing and that it looks childish. Also on the cons, the closeup view of this bag shows an odd pattern of the paint on the canvas, which looks gray and dirty. I suppose if I were to have a child this could be a cute beach tote or playground bag, but again having a child means messes and dirt, and this bag would go downhill fast once it shows wear especially since the inside is white. Overall I give this a 4/10 on my generous scale, because it is not heinous but I can’t imagine many people running out to buy this either. Am I off or on? Buy through Net A Porter for $185.

I…I just…I don’t know where to start. There’s just too much. It was too good. And just to think, the Real Housewives of New Jersey has only just begun. So we’ll go one by one, I suppose, until we get to know the ladies (broads?) better and get more of a storyline.

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Are you starting to plan for this year’s holiday parties yet? Yeah, me neither. However, if you are, I think I’ve found a clutch you might like. Yes, I was without a doubt a bit speechless when I came across the Yves Saint Laurent Satin Ribbon Clutch. I’m sure you’ve picked up on my handbag two-step thought process. Step one, do I like it? Step two, where will I wear it? I don’t attend copious amounts of galas so for the life of me I can’t think where I’d carry this clutch during the Spring and Summer months. Can you?

Well, forget about the event, let’s focus on the bag itself. Black satin and velvet swirl together to create this clutch. Apparently there is some goldtone hardware somewhere on this bag, but it is hard to see with so much else going on. The bow is “eh”. I think the clutch could actually be just fine without it yet isn’t totally ruined with it. Frankly, this clutch isn’t like many other evening bags I’ve seen and this makes me like it even more. So, if you are stocking up for this year’s holiday season (t-minus 6ish months) then this might be an option. Buy through Net-a-Porter for $1530.

The Nancy Gonzalez Green Croc Tote accompanied us down South to Key West two weeks ago. Braided, spacious, exotic luxury, all new for Fall 2009. This bag was one of our favorites from an assortment sent to us to review from Nancy Gonzalez. The braided handles really added a nice touch along with the rouched crocodile body. The inside of the bag is lined with light green suede and features many usable pockets. Another perk is the weight of the bag, which will not weigh you down and is light and almost airy compared to many other bags I own. This bag will be $3300. Nancy Gonzalez bags are available via Saks.com.

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Have you missed Vlad and I? We are totally MIA while on vacation right now and loving it. Goodbye internet, hello peace and quiet. It is odd, but we are loving it. But I feel an itch. An itch to shop. And shopping in Columbus, Ohio is nothing like shopping in South Florida and nothing like braving the NYC sample sales. I am yearning to be in NYC for Sample Sale season. The next Sample Sale we are missing but some of you must attend if from Devi Kroell. Beginning tomorrow, the Devi Kroell sample sale will begin where you are sure to spot amazing exotic bags, shoes, and accessories.

WHAT: Devi Kroell Sample Sale

WHEN: Wednesday, May 13th, Thursday , May 14th. Friday, May 15th. 8.30am to 6.30pm

WHERE: 55 Fifth Avenue. 17th Floor. Cross Streets: 12th and 13th Streets. p: 212.228.3201

*Cash and Credit Card only

So, last fall, it was purple. This spring and summer, some people say it’s yellow and other people say it’s blue. But according to Women’s Wear Daily, next season, it’s going to be green. Didn’t we just have green a few years ago? Like, circa 2004? I guess there are only a certain number of “it” colors available, so they probably circle around pretty quickly. Let’s just be glad it hasn’t been chartreuse yet – not everyone can wear that stuff. And by not everyone, I mean almost no one.

So now, green. How do we feel about green? I love these sort of blue-green pieces that are featured in WWD’s story, but I fear that when the trend is translated to downmarket retailers like Forever 21, it may become more of a seafoam nightmare than I’d like. But if everyone can stick to true greens, and maybe a few blue-greens, then I’ll be happy to hop on this bandwagon along with everyone else when fall’s new stuff starts hitting shelves.

Oh, and wondering about the bags in the picture? They’re not available in those colors yet, but you can buy Mulberry’s Oversized Bayswater Clutch for $695 via Net-a-Porter. Similar Kotur snake clutches are available via Singer 22.

I think it is fair to say that we typically feature handbags that will set you back more than just a penny or two. And while over at Purse Blog Savvy we focus on a different price point, I do like to switch things up a bit from time to time. So when I found the Eric Javits Dunemere Large Tote, I figured it would not only be a great bag to share, but it would also give that internal budget a mini-break.

It is true, I’ve been on a bit of a beach tote kick. I don’t have any beach getaway plans for this summer (do any of you – please give me ideas!!!) but I am always checking out new sunglasses, swimsuits and beach totes! So, this large striped metallic tote certainly popped out as a nice beach bag option! Ample storage space and pockets provide compartments and storage space for just about anything you tote to the beach (or on daily errands). And of course, you can use this bag in so many different situations. Yes, let me know what you think about this bag, but also tell me about your summer plans – I need ideas!!! Buy through Saks for $345.

I think that this may be the best actualization of a bag with two sets of handles that I’ve seen in quite a while. Face it – two sets of handles on one bag has the potential to be incredibly awkward, and almost always realizes that potential. It usually ends up looking floppy and messy, with straps hanging everywhere and obscuring pockets, seaming, and other design details.

The Mulberry Jody Shoulder Bag makes it work rather well, though. And I think one small detail is the key – the satchel straps lock in to place with a metal and leather loop that holds them down (and folds the bag over) when not in use. And this makes all the difference. There’s no awkward flapping and sagging; instead, the bag looks like it was designed with all of its attributes taken into consideration, and the entire finished product actually LOOKS finished. It’s funny that a simple leather attachment and metal lock can change the game on bags with two carrying options, but all the other brands out there have something to learn from this bag. Buy through Bloomingdale’s for $825.

It’s a Fendi kind of day. Amanda posted earlier about the Fendi Beaded Clutch and it kind of inspired me a bit. She was dead on when she talked about Fendi’s glory days dating back to Sex and the City. This multicolored box clutch has what I certainly consider to be gorgeous hand stitched and painted cotton flower detailing.

With a satin front, black leather lining and silver tone trim, this clutch is surely a head turner. Besides the price, the only thing I am not a fan of is the fastening top; it just doesn’t fit with the rest of the bag. But, I might be able to look past that and go back to focusing on the fact that I actually found a flirty Fendi bag I wouldn’t mind carrying around. Buy through Net-a-Porter for $2140.

I got an opportunity to take a look at some handbags the other day with a friend of mine that’s in to fashion, but doesn’t WORSHIP bags the way that a lot of the ladies here do. And I realized that sometimes, it’s good to get some perspective, because without it we might miss things.

For example, I might have missed the Michael Kors ID Chain Shopper. A lot of people don’t pay much attention to Kors’ bags, and he’s had a misstep or two in the past, but I’ve seen his last season or two become much stronger and more drool-worthy. This bag I like in particular – the multi-material chain is huge and industrial, which gives the smooth, soft black leather a rocker edge without being over-the-top or over-designed. The bag is exceedingly simple while still exuding tons of attitude and style, and that’s not an easy balance to strike. The version with the all-plastic chain reminds me a bit of some recent Chanel collections, but I’ve never seen them do a chain with more than one material, and I actually like this bag better. It’s more accessible, less gimmicky, and certainly at a much better price point. Buy through Nordstrom for $995.